Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re dining at a steakhouse, except you’re in your own kitchen and dinner is ready in under 30 minutes. I first made this recipe years ago when unexpected guests showed up at dinnertime. I had some sirloin in the fridge and a bag of baby potatoes in the pantry, and what started as a quick solution became one of my most-requested dishes.

The combination of juicy, seared steak bites and crisp-edged potatoes, all tossed in rich, garlicky butter, is simply irresistible. My grandkids scrape their plates clean every single time. The best part is everything comes together in one skillet, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying dinner. Let’s fire up that skillet.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Recipe Box

After decades of feeding my family and countless Sunday dinner guests, I’ve learned what makes a recipe truly worth keeping. This skillet steak and potatoes checks every box for a keeper.

• Minimal fuss with big, bold flavors
• Uses everyday ingredients you probably have on hand
• Quick weeknight dinner option that’s ready in 30 minutes
• Juicy, seared steak bites paired with crisp-edged potatoes
• Rich garlicky butter sauce ties everything together
• Perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests
• One-pan meal means easy cleanup

Understanding Your Ingredients

Sirloin steak is my preferred cut for this recipe because it’s flavorful, tender, and cooks quickly when cut into bite-sized pieces. I always choose well-marbled sirloin for the juiciest, most tender bites that stay moist even when seared at high heat.

Baby potatoes hold their shape beautifully when cooked and develop the most wonderful crispy edges. In my kitchen, I prefer baby potatoes halved or quartered depending on size because they cook evenly and quickly.

Butter is the foundation of that incredible garlicky sauce. I’ve found that using real butter rather than oil creates a richer, more luxurious coating that clings to both the steak and potatoes.

Olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning when cooking the potatoes at higher heat. Betty’s solution for perfect browning is using a combination of butter and olive oil.

Fresh garlic becomes sweet and fragrant when cooked in butter, creating an irresistible aroma. I always choose fresh minced garlic because it provides the brightest, most aromatic flavor.

Dried thyme and rosemary add earthy, herbal notes that complement beef beautifully. In my experience, these dried herbs are perfect for this quick-cooking recipe.

Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor at the end. Betty always finishes with fresh herbs to brighten the rich, buttery dish.

From Start to Finish

Step 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. I’ve learned that starting with medium rather than high heat gives you better control when cooking the potatoes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and a drizzle of olive oil.

Step 2. Once the butter has melted and is shimmering, add the diced baby potatoes. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and thyme. Betty’s tip is to let the potatoes cook undisturbed for a few minutes initially to encourage a deep, golden crisp on the bottom.

Step 3. Stir occasionally for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and beautifully colored on multiple sides. Through trial and error, I learned that resisting the urge to stir constantly allows the potatoes to develop better color. Transfer the potatoes out of the pan and set aside.

Step 4. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Arrange the sirloin steak bites in a single layer. My family prefers when I work in batches if needed rather than crowding the pan, which would cause the steak to steam instead of sear.

Step 5. Sprinkle the steak with salt and pepper. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the steak bites develop a nice brown crust and reach your preferred doneness. After years of making this, I’ve discovered that medium-rare to medium yields the most tender, juicy results. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.

Step 6. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the last tablespoon of butter to the skillet. The key I discovered is lowering the heat before adding garlic because garlic burns quickly at high temperatures.

Step 7. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute until it becomes lightly golden and fragrant. Betty always says that perfectly cooked garlic smells sweet and nutty, not sharp or burnt.

Step 8. Return the seared steak bites and crispy potatoes to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in that hot garlic butter, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 30 seconds.

Step 9. Turn off the heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm. The residual heat will keep everything hot while you plate it.

Making the Most of Leftovers

I typically let any leftovers cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for up to 3 days. The steak and potatoes maintain good flavor, though the potatoes may lose some crispiness.

For reheating, Betty’s method is to warm everything gently in a skillet over medium-low heat rather than using the microwave. This approach helps the potatoes regain some of their texture and keeps the steak from becoming tough. Add a small pat of butter to the pan to refresh the sauce.

Complete Your Meal

These rich, savory steak bites pair beautifully with lighter sides that balance the meal:

• Crisp green salad with vinaigrette – The bright acidity cuts through the richness and provides a refreshing contrast
• Steamed asparagus or green beans – Simple vegetables that add color without competing with the bold flavors (try my Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes Green Beans for another complete dinner idea)
• Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up that incredible garlic butter sauce
• Roasted Brussels sprouts – Their slight bitterness complements the rich, buttery steak beautifully
• Caesar salad – Creamy and garlicky to echo the butter sauce
• Wilted spinach – Quick to prepare and healthy

For more steak-lover favorites, check out my Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce or Sheet Pan Parmesan Steak and Potatoes.

FAQs

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes

Juicy, seared steak bites and crisp-edged potatoes tossed in a rich garlicky butter sauce for a steakhouse-style feast at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 485

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs sirloin steak cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb baby potatoes halved or quartered
• 3 tablespoons butter divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Equipment

• large skillet

Method

 

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil. Once melted and shimmering, add the diced baby potatoes.
2. Sprinkle potatoes with salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and thyme. Cook undisturbed for a few minutes to encourage a deep, golden crisp.
3. Stir occasionally for 10 to 12 minutes, or until fork-tender and beautifully colored. Transfer potatoes out of the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon butter. Arrange sirloin steak bites in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
5. Sprinkle steak with salt and pepper. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a nice brown crust and reach your preferred doneness. Remove steak from pan and set aside.
6. Lower heat to medium-low and add the last tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute until lightly golden and fragrant.
7. Return the seared steak bites and crispy potatoes to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the hot garlic butter.
8. Turn off heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Choose well-marbled sirloin for juicy, tender bites. Don’t wash the pan between steps as browned bits add flavor. Work in batches when searing steak to avoid steaming. Lower heat when adding garlic to prevent burning.